Video 4:51
The Country Liberals' failed leadership coup

Danielle Parry
Fri 22 Feb 2013, 8:40 PM AEDT

A look at a tumultuous week in Territory politics and how the Country Liberals' leadership spill came undone.

Transcript

DANIELLE PARRY, PRESENTER: First tonight to a dramatic week in Territory politics. Less than six months into the life of the new Government, the Chief Minister, Terry Mills, has survived a botched bid to unseat him by his Attorney-General, John Elferink. As anger swirled over the Country Liberals' dire by-election defeat in Wanguri, numbers were counted on Monday night for a leadership spill. But the challenge unravelled before the switch could be put to a vote. Just how did the plot go so spectacularly wrong? And how much damage has been done to the Government in the process?

DANIELLE PARRY: Last weekend's Wanguri by-election was always going to be tough for the Government. The writing was on the wall after a series of unpopular policy decisions, including huge hikes to power and water prices. But the 13 percent swing against the Government was far worse than predicted.

NICOLE MANISON, ALP MEMBER FOR WANGURI: The people of Wanguri have reflected the sentiment of the rest of the Territory that people do not like having promises broken.

DANIELLE PARRY: Terry Mills was left with some explaining to do.

TERRY MILLS, CHIEF MINISTER: Traditionally, after an election, by-elections are difficult for Governments and I think that's what we see here. I understand that people are finding it difficult with the decisions that this Government has taken.

DANIELLE PARRY: So frustrated were some MLAs by Monday night that numbers were being counted for a leadership spill and a vote was flagged for early the next morning.

TERRY MILLS, CHIEF MINISTER: Whilst there was a lot of noise on the wire, a lot of conversations apparently occurred, there was no meeting, there was no move.

DANIELLE PARRY: Exactly what happened in the intervening hours is still unclear, but by daybreak the planned meeting had been aborted and the two leadership contenders were presenting a united front at bombing of Darwin commemorations.

JOHN ELFERINK, ATTORNEY-GENERAL: I support the Chief Minister, the parliamentary wing supports the Chief Minister and the cabinet supports the Chief Minister.

TERRY MILLS, CHIEF MINISTER: He came and provided me with his unqualified support.

DANIELLE PARRY: The intentions of the bush MLAs are thought to have been pivotal in scuttling the challenge. It's understood at least some of them swapped sides overnight, leaving John Elferink short of the numbers he needed for a switch.

ALISON ANDERSON, MINISTER FOR INDIG. ADVANCEMENT: This is about stability of the Government, and we need to look after Territorians.

DANIELLE PARRY: Protestations of innocence on John Elferink's part went out the window when the Chief Minister reluctantly revealed the Attorney General offered to resign over the drama.

TERRY MILLS, CHIEF MINISTER: John Elferink has spoken to me this morning and he has indicated to me that because of the subject of these rumours he would be prepared to do what he thinks I would require of him. What I require of John is to focus on the business of Northern Territory and provide unqualified support, which he has offered and provided and I've accepted.

DANIELLE PARRY: The Attorney General as good as admitted his failed plot in parliament.

JOHN ELFERINK, ATTORNEY-GENERAL: I have listened to the colleagues on my side of the house and we have resolved Madam Speaker to keep Terry Mills as the leader of the parliamentary wing of the Country Liberals.

DANIELLE PARRY: The Chief Minister may have lived to fight another day, but the causes of the tension remain. On Tuesday, Terry Mills acknowledged Government communications failures but was still sticking to his guns over his policy decisions.

TERRY MILLS, CHIEF MINISTER: Well I think this is a time for courage under fire.

DANIELLE PARRY: But there are some early signs the Chief Minister's colleagues have convinced him to soften his stance. The Government's backed down over unpopular plans to dump fire-fighter positions in the rural area and moves to charge for over the counter transactions at the MVR.

ADAM GILES, TRANSPORT MINISTER: The 20 dollar fee was causing some concern amongst people in the Territory.

DANIELLE PARRY: It's a start but more may be needed to keep his ambitious colleagues at bay. Potential future leaders Adam Giles and Dave Tollner may have been laying low this week, pledging never to challenge for the leadership.

ADAM GILES, TRANSPORT MINISTER: I have no intention of ever challenging. I mean what I have intention of doing is being a very solid Transport Minister.

DAVE TOLLNER, HEALTH MINISTER: I've made that commitment that I won't be challenging for the leadership.

DANIELLE PARRY: But three and half years is a long time in politics and a lot could change between now and the next election.